Jay - Skybound (Pearl Gold Trim / Black Armor)
njo197 · Ninjago
Skybound · Released in 2016. It debuted as part of the sixth season of LEGO Ninjago, coinciding with the 'Skybound' television arc. This era marked a shift towards highly detailed individual character designs with specific elemental armor.
Figure ID
njo197
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
Released in 2016. It debuted as part of the sixth season of LEGO Ninjago, coinciding with the 'Skybound' television arc. This era marked a shift towards highly detailed individual character designs with specific elemental armor.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While it appeared in multiple sets during its release year, the figure is now retired. It is readily available on the secondary market but increasingly difficult to find in mint condition.
Head
Double-sided yellow head. One side features a determined smirk with a blue lightning bolt over the right eye; the other features a scared/nervous expression. Topped with a Blue Ninja Wrap with Pearl Dark Gray (Silver) emblem.
Torso
Dark Stone Gray (Dark Gray) torso with black jacket/vest printing. Features detailed printing of four red/silver grenades/vials on a belt, silver buckles, and back printing showing continuation of the vest and straps.
Legs
Black legs with gunmetal gray/silver printing on the hips and front of the legs, depicting armored plating and a belt sash consistent with the Skybound aesthetic.
Accessories
Usually paired with a Silver Katana or a Djinn Blade accessory (not shown in image). The blue ninja mask (wrap) is the primary head accessory.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are Black, Dark Gray, and Blue. Accents include Pearl Gold (on some versions) or Pearl Dark Gray, with red details on the printed vials on the torso.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head (dual-sided), torso (front and back), and the front of the legs. The alignment is typical of the 2016 era with sharp contrasts on the black plastic.
Variants
There are several Skybound Jay variants, including njo224 (with a different armor piece) and the 'Airjitzu' versions. This specific version, njo197, is the standard mission gear version.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the 'chin' area of the blue mask wrap, which can show white stress marks. Check for torso cracks under the arms and fading of the silver leg printing.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $7.00 USD; New/Mint: $10.00 - $14.00 USD. Prices can fluctuate based on the inclusion of the specific Djinn Blade accessory.
Price (New)
Mostly available in sets ranging from $14.99 (Jay's Elemental Dragon) to $69.99 (Misfortune's Keep). Not sold as a standalone individual figure.
Compatible Sets
70601 Sky Shark, 70602 Jay's Elemental Dragon, 70605 Misfortune's Keep, and 70591 Kryptarium Prison Breakout.
Character Background
Jay Walker (born Jay Gordon) is the Elemental Master of Lightning. In the Skybound arc, he is the central protagonist who must make three wishes to stop the pirate genie Nadakhan.
Design Notes
The Skybound suits are often praised by fans for their 'stealth' aesthetic, moving away from bright solid colors to black and dark gray bases with colored accents.
Similar Minifigures
Skybound versions of Kai (njo199), Cole (njo201), and Lloyd (njo203). Also similar to 'The Island' Jay or 'Secrets of Forbidden Spinjitzu' Jay.
Collectibility
High for Ninjago completionists. While not a high-value 'grail' figure, it is essential for representing the iconic Season 6 lineup.
History
Jay has appeared in nearly every wave of Ninjago since 2011. This 2016 version represented a more tactical, 'pirate-fighting' look compared to the original 2011 gi.
Interesting Facts
The facial print with the lightning bolt remains one of the most popular Jay expressions, often reused by MOC-builders to represent a 'powered-up' state.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with the other five Skybound ninja on a transparent 'flight' stand to simulate the aerial combat theme of the season.
Modification Potential
The black and gray torso is very versatile for custom 'tactical' or 'mercenary' minifigures outside of the Ninjago theme.
Overall Assessment
A solid, well-detailed figure from one of Ninjago's most beloved story arcs. Great value-for-money for a budget collector looking for a detailed protagonist figure.